Bluesound Node 2i vs Upscale streamers

Node 2i -> optical -> RME ADI-2 DAC FS
very happy with the result

Breathing life into an older thread. 
I have a Node 2 going into a Chord M Scaler/TT2 combo using an AQ diamond Toslink cable. I think it sounds very nice. Spacious, lots of detail to let my 802 D2s bloom. That said, I have been wondering if getting a better streamer will justify the cost… I have a $500 streamer in a very expensive stack, so if there was a weak link, the node would be it. I took home a Aurender  A100 from the local Hifi shop to test drive it, however it wouldn’t play with my Chord kit using USB a-b, which was super annoying…. I’d like to listen to an Auralic Aries G1 but no dealers near by to audition it, and I don’t want to spend a few k blindly. Anyhow, if anyone has used the Aries G1 with the TT2/Scaler combo, and also the Node 2 with the Chord kit, chime in and let me know. Super appreciated if you do.

cheers

Ziggy. I would look at a Lumin Product aka U1 Mini

@ziggy17 - I went from a Bluesound Vault2i to a Lumin U1 Mini, sent the Lumin back and got the Aries G1 and have enjoyed it. The Vault was a good piece but it pales in comparison to the Auralic 

I have a node 2i going directly into Primaluna Dialogue Premium. 

Will I hear a huge improvement upgrading to any of the higher end streamers mentioned. Also is it recommended to get a dac before the streamer to go to my integrated or streamer directly to integrated is fine?


TIA